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The North Middle School Gators lost to the East Panthers 34-22 on the road Monday for their second loss of the season.

The Gators weren’t able to get a consistent rhythm going on offense for most of the day as the Panthers steadily pulled away from them in the road contest.

The Panthers scored the first nine points of the game to create a decent early lead for themselves. Colson Kelley scored all four of North’s points in the first quarter.

The Gators trailed 11-4 after one quarter.

The Gators were able to cut the deficit down to two points early in the second quarter, but the Panthers proceeded to score the last six points of the half to pull back ahead by multiple possessions.

North trailed 17-9 at halftime.

The Panthers also scored the first seven points of the third quarter to push the deficit up to double digits for the rest of the day.

North trailed 28-14 going into the final period.

The Gators were able to make up a small amount of ground in the fourth quarter, but it wouldn’t be enough to get back in the game as they lost by 12.

Kelley, Zae Taylor and Connor Parker led the Gators with six points each for the game, followed by Grant Parkerson with three points and Keagan Stewart with one.

With the loss, the Gators moved to 0-2 on the season.

They will next play Thursday at Highland Rim Middle School. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.